The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) has officially named Govindrao Mokate as its candidate for the upcoming bypoll in the Rahuri assembly constituency in Maharashtra. This decision comes after former MLA Prajakt Tanpure opted out of the race, reportedly following discussions with senior BJP leaders, including Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan and minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. Tanpure, who previously served as a minister in the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government, has been incommunicado since his meeting with BJP officials, which has raised questions about his allegiance to the NCP (SP). The Rahuri seat became vacant following the death of BJP MLA Shivajirao Kardile in October 2025. Mokate will face off against BJP nominee Akshay Kardile, the deceased MLA's son, and Anil Jadhav from the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA). NCP (SP) leaders had hoped Tanpure would contest to reclaim his previous seat, but after discussions, they decided to proceed with Mokate as the candidate.